A 21-year-old man from Haryana has been arrested after a four-month-old video showing vandalism outside a girls’ paying guest (PG) accommodation in Greater Noida’s Knowledge Park went viral on social media, police said on Sunday.

The 36-second clip, which surfaced online recently, allegedly shows a group of men abusing the PG owner and damaging a parked car outside the girls’ PG. One man is seen carrying a rod and smashing the car’s windshield, while women can be heard screaming from the terrace as threats are issued.

Accused identified, motive traced to dispute

Police identified the accused as Vomesh Singh, a resident of Charki Dadri in Haryana and an MBA student. According to investigators, the incident dates back to September last year but was not reported to the police at the time.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Hemant Upadhyay said the vandalism followed a heated argument between Singh’s female friend, who lived in the PG, and the PG owner over her late arrival.

“When Singh learnt about the dispute, he, along with his friends, reached the PG and created a ruckus,” the ACP said.

Video triggers police action

The video, whose authenticity could not be independently verified earlier, gained traction on social media, prompting Greater Noida police to identify the location and act. After confirming the PG’s identity in Knowledge Park, police arrested Singh on Sunday.

The footage shows the accused threatening to shut down the PG before fleeing the spot in a car with others.

Case registered under BNS

Police said a case has been registered at Knowledge Park Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including vandalism, intentional insult and damage to property.

A special team has been formed to trace and arrest other suspects seen in the video. Statements from witnesses and the PG owner are being recorded, and CCTV footage from the area is also being examined.

Safety concerns around PG accommodations

The incident has once again raised concerns over safety around girls’ PG accommodations in urban hubs like Greater Noida. Police have urged residents to report such incidents immediately instead of allowing matters to escalate.

Authorities reiterated that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to intimidate or damage property, especially in residential areas housing students and working women.